COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

EXPERIENCES AND OUTCOMES FOR SHELTERS’ STAFF

Sažetak

Relatively few studies have addressed the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic
on IPV shelters and their staff. In this study, we conducted interviews with IPV
shelter staff to examine 1) how shelters changed their work during the pandemic;
2) how staff described the occurrence of and response to vicarious trauma; and
3) what staff learned from their experience with the pandemic crisis. Three
main themes emerged from the data. They include the following: 1) changes
in organisational working conditions during the pandemic; 2) emotional
challenges; and 3) positive effects of the pandemic. As in other countries, the
pandemic in Croatia brought numerous challenges but also opportunities.
Shelter staff demonstrated their strengths and commitment to supporting IPV
victims during the pandemic. Their experiences should be used to develop an
effective response to future crises.